The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pleasure \Pleas"ure\, n. [F. plaisir, originally an infinitive. See Please.]
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The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to pain, sorrow, etc.
At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
--Ps. xvi. 11. -
Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. ``Not sunk in carnal pleasure.''
--Milton.He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man.
--Prov. xxi. 17.Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
--2 Tim. iii. 4. What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose. ``He will do his pleasure on Babylon.''
--Isa. xlviii. 1-
Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter.
--Shak.4. That which pleases; a favor; a gratification.
--Shak.Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure
--Acts xxv. 9.At pleasure, by arbitrary will or choice.
--Dryden.To take pleasure in, to have enjoyment in.
--Ps. cxlvii. 11.Note: Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure ground; pleasure house, etc.
Syn: Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace; joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference; purpose; command; favor; kindness.
Usage examples of "to take pleasure in".
It is as if they want you to know where you are and to take pleasure in knowing it.
It seems to take pleasure in imitating the colours proper to other gems.
It seemed to have eased something which had always been provoking Richard to be unpleasant, to take pleasure in being unpleasant.
He seemed to take pleasure in his social functions, he smiled, and was abundant in hospitality.
Our philosopher once more began to take pleasure in the act of living.
We look upon woman only to gratify the lust of the eye, and to take pleasure in what men call her beauty.
Now I have really something left in the world to take pleasure in.
Fate seemed on this day to take pleasure in pampering the insatiable curiosity of Gordian, the bailiff.
Rochester entered, unannounced, and looking at us, seemed to take pleasure in the spectacle of a group so amicable—.
The climate which influences one nation to take pleasure in being communicative, makes it also delight in change, and that which makes it delight in change forms its taste.
They were not Diego the Spaniard, after all, to take pleasure in the pain of others.